BHADERWAH: A substantial surge in tourist influx was witnessed on the second day of the Vibrant Bhaderwah Festival as they converged at the picturesque Jai Valley, (Bhaderwah, Doda).
Aligned with the vision of the Lieutenant Governor Sh. Manoj Sinha and propelled by the dedicated efforts of Secretary Tourism Abid Rashid, Jammu & Kashmir Tourism in the UT has reached new heights, gaining global recognition.
The five-day-long Vibrant Bhaderwah Festival is orchestrated by the Directorate of Tourism Jammu in collaboration with the District Administration of Doda, Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages and Bhaderwah Development Authority (BDA).
The unwavering commitment of the Directorate of Tourism Jammu and District Administration Doda transformed the Bhaderwah into a vibrant and colorful hub, celebrating the unique winter festival.
Set against the backdrop of lush green meadows and breathtaking landscapes, the Jai Valley provided a perfect setting for this winter celebration. The festival featured an array of traditional celebrations, including cultural performances, showcasing local cuisine and various outdoor sports activities highlighting the region’s winter charm. The day-long festivities included adventure activities like ATV rides, zip-lining, zorbing, paragliding, a musical chair competition and cultural performances by local artists.
These activities not only enhanced the tourists’ experience but also played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the rich heritage and natural beauty of the region. Visitors praised the organizers for creating a meaningful event for the promotion and enjoyment of tourists.
Bal Krishan, CEO BDA, along with ADC Dalmir Ch, Deputy Director Tourism, Abdul Jabbar, actively engaged with tourists, encouraging them to appreciate the pristine beauty while embracing sustainable tourism practices. Also present were Addl SP Bhaderwah, Vinod Shama, and Assistant Director Tourism NHW Batote, Mohd. Arif Lone.
Abdul Jabbar, while interacting with the media, highlighted that under the leadership of Director Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai and Joint Director Tourism Ms. Suniana Mehta, Jammu Tourism has achieved new heights. All officers and officials are dedicatedly promoting the best tourism practices.
Deputy Commissioner, Harvinder Singh, expressed satisfaction over the successful organization of the event.
The Department of Youth Services and Sports organized various games, including Kabaddi, football, volleyball, and cricket. Dignitaries later felicitated the winning and runner-up teams. The highlight of the event was the captivating stick-fighting performance, which received applause from all attendees.
Additionally, the inclusion of hot air balloon rides and movie screenings thrilled the large audience. The upcoming event on the 29th in Guldanda promises to continue the adventure and cultural activities, providing ongoing enjoyment for tourists.